FOR thrill-seekers craving adventures off the beaten track, a new adrenaline-fuelled activity awaits in the heart of the French Alps – packrafting.

I tried out this quirky combination of biking and rafting in the Savoie Mont Blanc of the French Alps, guided by Sophie and Antoine from Blue Secret, which specialises in creating tailor-made adventures for all budgets.

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The packraft is an inflatable, kayak-like raft allowing it to be carried long distances and easily strapped to a mountain bike.

The Rhone River offers an ideal backdrop.

Despite being lightweight, these sturdy little rafts handled calm waters and easy rapids, adding an exciting twist to our adventure. Even the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits.

The highlight was the seamless transition between biking and rafting. Hopping off the bike, pumping up the rafts, and strapping the bikes onto them took around 15 minutes.

After enjoying the river, we would pull over, deflate and pack up the rafts, then hop back on the bikes to continue our journey.

You don’t need to be super sporty to enjoy packrafting, whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a novice looking for a new experience.

Also, there’s more to discover beyond the winding trails and serene rivers in Savoie Mont Blanc.

Just a short drive away is the village of Chanaz on the shore of the Savieres canal, known as the “Little Venice of Savoie”.

Here, you can spend an afternoon meandering through narrow lanes, lined with cafes and boutiques.

We stayed at the 3H Shana Hotel & Residence, ideal for exploring the area, with an outside pool and views of the river.

While not on four wheels or water, we headed into the glorious Bauges national park to explore its verdant mountain pastures from the l’Auberge d’Aillon et d’Ailleurs – a lovely 4H hotel with a gastronomic restaurant showcasing the best of local produce.

Venture a bit further and you’ll find yourself in the historic city of Chambery, a treasure trove of heritage. Its medieval old town is a heady mix of museums, galleries and bustling markets.

And no visit would be complete without a picture beside the quirky Fountain of the Elephants, an emblem of Chambery’s enduring charm.

There’s no time like the present to try packrafting in this stunning region – so don’t hesitate, grab your paddle, and dive in (hopefully not literally!).